The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-15
THE PRESIDENTS JOURNEY
A Pleasant Days Ride Througha Region
Presenting but Few Attractions.
Dave Hawkins and Bill West Ask Favor and
Fail to Appear at the Proper Time-Very
Badly Managed Reception at Memphis.

hANENDEN, Ark, Oct. 1t no Jay Is origns
and the temperature is moderate since the pas s.
age of the Ozark mountain early this morning.
1t has been running through sparsely settled
region, offering little in the way OF popular
demonstration to divert the attention of the
excnrsionsts from the books. the CORE
spondence which they severay have in hand.
for almost the first time since leaving Washing
ton. An opportunity is offered to examine and
enjoy the good things found in the wel-chosen
library of the Alfaratte, opportunity of
which the ladies taking the full advantage
The President and Postmaster general Villas
and DR.. Bryant are chatting by themselves in
the observatory; Mrs. Cleveland and Mrs. Villas
occupy the parlor of the private car. and the
others engaged for the most part in over
hauling and catching up with their
neglected correspondence The Presi-
dent has babe goodbye to the North
west. regretting that his stay had been so
brief, that his fight from point to point had
been made so hastily. and that so many things
of interest had been left unseen under
circums instances which forbade leisurely examina-
ton and study of the hustle and energy, the
patriotism and the exuberant hospitality of the
people everywhere. No sign Of malevoleuce or
the slightest intentional discourtesy has
manifested itself. He is now entering the South
in response to the pressing invitations of the
people. the municipal and State authorities,
assured of the limiress hospitality for which
the Southern people celebrated, but
wondering what new form in the range of human
possibilities the demonstrations of welcome can
take. Though seclusion and rest have some
times been secured only at the point of the bay
onst. the members of the party have preserved
their good health, and all arose this morning in
excellent spirits. The train crossed the Arkan-
sas line from Missouri at quarter before 10,
the excursonists being then at breakfast. AT this
point attention was directed to the mammoth
springs. ninety feet in diameter, from which
torrent was bubbling Its waters form limpid,
shallow river, alongside wbicA the train is
moving in whose current hogs and cattle stand
browsing the succulent MOSES which are its pc
culiar product. Beyond, the passengers get
their first glimpse of cotton field. The expe-
dition's artist has abandoned his chops and
cofree. and is taking a hasty sketch of as pretty
scene as one could find in a DAYS journey.
HoXIE, Ark. Oct. IA The floral trophies of
this forenoon one little bunch of golden rod
pinned in a piece of pink tinted paper. inscribed
For the President and His Wife" 1t was
handed to the President by a tow headed miss
of thirteen at water-tank stopping place. The
President expressed wish to stop at Marked
Tree. Ark. in compliance with quaint invita-
ton he has just received. signed Dave Hawkins.
1t promises hearty and novel reception. repre-
senting the wild West. which. it saws, will be
with music. which have been his ex-
perence thus far. "Bin West" the
letter continues, lis hustling to get all
his hunting equipments to make display
to meet your observation. If the train does not
stop at our station. please let us have glimpse
of you, for Presidents seldom come through
these parts" The time will not permit a stop.
but the President will be upon the platform of
his car and see the novelties offered.
AT half a dozen points this morning there
have been gatherings of from one to three hun
dred people, whose tnmutuous greetings have
been most courteously acknowledged by the
President and Mrs Cleveland. At one point a
a company of ancers drawn up in line
with arms at present. and at another. whore the
locomotive coaled. the natives had an op-
portupity to shake the Presidents hand.
The line from Hoxie to West Memphis Law in
q typical Arkansas region. There were half a
dozen little frontier villages, but, for the most
part groves of blasted forest, giants OF live oak
gums and cypress, bounded the view. Inter
spersed were openings for corn and cotton fields,
in the latter of which picking operations we're GO
ing on, and there were casual saw-mills and lum-
ber-yards The prevalent yelling was of logs or
boards, in front of which blonde youngsters
were drawn up in line for review. and around
which. in default of flags and banners, hung the
family washing Hogs of shadowy PROPORTIONS,
armed with Incredible shouts. glded between
the trees, and wild turkeys were sometimes
scared mp. Seventy-five miles of the region is
subjected to overflow by the Mississippi.
Marked Tree proved fraud wooden sta
ton house, a half dozen shanties, bridge and
of open-mouthed natives were the only
signs of inhabitancy and neither Dave Hawkins
nor Bill West were recognized.
The first sign of the approach to Memphis was
the appearance the train-no one knew how
hey got thereof handsome Autographs of the
and Mrs. Cleveland, the allegorical |
bordering of which contained figures in the cos
tunes of the ancient Egyptian Memphis, with |
of the industries of her modern |
Later. bouquets of flowers |
.ounded by snowy cotton balls. made their ap-
oearance on Mrs Clevelands table The train |
.eached West Memphis at 2:40 P. NJ.